Visqueen

What Visqueen does

Visqueen is a UK-based manufacturer of construction protection membranes and sheeting, operating as a trading name of British Polythene Limited, which is itself part of the publicly listed Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY). The company has served the UK and Ireland construction industry for more than 50 years, producing polyethylene-based membranes and accessory components across seven product categories: damp proof courses, damp proof membranes, structural waterproofing systems, gas and radon protection, air and vapour control, passive fire protection, and stormwater geomembranes. Its technology centres on proprietary composite formulations such as the Zedex Non-Combustible DPC, which achieves A2-s1,d0 reaction-to-fire classification and 60+ years of independently tested durability, complemented by detailing accessories (Flexi Preformed Units, jointing tapes, top-hat penetrations, TreadGUARD protection boards) designed to function as integrated systems. The portfolio carries extensive third-party certification (BBA, BDA, NSAI Agrement certificates; ISO 9001/14001/45001; CE/UKCA marking; LPCB LPS1207 for flame-retardant products), which is core to its specification-led positioning.

Visqueen generates revenue primarily through one-time product sales of membranes and system components to contractors, housebuilders, and specifiers, distributed via a 34+ UK and Ireland stockist network that includes tier-1 merchants (Jewson, Travis Perkins, SIG, MKM, Huws Gray, Keyline) and specialist distributors. A secondary revenue stream comprises fee-based Contract Design Services for ground gas protection and structural waterproofing, delivered by CSSW-qualified technical teams carrying professional indemnity insurance, and CPD-accredited educational seminars. The go-to-market is specification-led and multi-channel: field-based Technical Support Managers provide direct enterprise coverage, while NBS Source BIM integration, a Training Academy in Heanor, and a developing My Visqueen Portal anchor the specifier-facing motion. The company is headquartered in Corby (registered office of British Polythene Limited) with operations across the UK and Ireland.

Customer segments are horizontal: brickwork contractors, housebuilders and main contractors, architects/engineers/specifiers, specialist membrane installers, and building merchants and distributors. Differentiation rests on certification depth, brand heritage, technical support infrastructure, and system-level compatibility, rather than on price competition in commodity membrane supply. Visqueen's strategic posture is shaped by the UK Building Safety Act and tightening fire-safety regulation, which favour incumbents with comprehensive third-party certification portfolios.

Name

Visqueen

Legal name

British Polythene Limited

Website

https://visqueen.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Visqueen is a UK construction protection membrane manufacturer and the trading name of British Polythene Limited (part of Berry Global Group), selling damp-proof, gas, waterproofing, and fire-rated polyethylene systems to contractors, specifiers, and merchants across the UK and Ireland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Protection Membranes

NAICS

Gasket, Packing, and Sealing Device Manufacturing (339991)

SIC

Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081), Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)

akta.pro primary industry

Waterproofing Membranes & Systems (Liquid-Applied & Sheet) (IMADAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Construction Sealants (Joint, Façade & Perimeter) (IMADAOAB), Firestop & Penetration Sealing Materials (IMADAGAL), Waterproof Coatings & Leak Sealing (Basements, Foundations, Roof Coatings) (HSAGADAI)

Keywords

• Construction protection membranes
• Structural waterproofing systems
• Gas protection membranes
• Damp proof course products
• Radon barrier membranes

Headquarters

HQ city

Heanor

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Construction Membrane Products: Sale of polyethylene-based membranes and sheeting products including damp proof courses, damp proof membranes, gas protection membranes, structural waterproofing systems, and stormwater management products. Revenue generated through direct sales to contractors and via stockist/distributor network.
2. Contract Design Services: Fee-based professional design services for ground gas protection and structural waterproofing specifications. Includes industry and legislation compliant designs with professional indemnity insurance coverage.
3. CPD Seminars: Continuing Professional Development seminars on radon protection, structural waterproofing, and ground gas protection. Delivered live online or in-person at client offices. Accredited by The CPD Certification Service.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Visqueen manufactures and supplies polyethylene-based construction protection membranes and systems for damp proof courses, damp proof membranes, gas protection (methane, carbon dioxide, radon), structural waterproofing (Type A, B, and C), passive fire protection, and stormwater management across the UK and Ireland. The offering is complemented by Contract Design Services, CPD-accredited training, and a Technical Support Manager field team, sold primarily through a network of 34+ merchant stockists.

Product overview

Visqueen is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of construction protection membranes and systems, operating as a trading name of British Polythene Limited (part of Berry Global Group). The product portfolio is organized into seven core categories: Damp Proof Membranes (DPMs) including Visqueen DPM and High Performance DPM; Damp Proof Courses (DPCs) and Cavity Trays including Zedex Non-Combustible DPC, Polyethylene DPC, and Zedex CPT/High Bond/Housing Grade variants; Gas Protection including Gas Barrier, Radon Barrier (R400, RadonBlok 400/600), Ultimate Gas Barriers NF-500/600, Liquid Gas Membrane, and venting products; Structural Waterproofing including CM20/CM8 Membranes, Protect&Drain, Axiom Guard/Guard PRO/UniSeal, Self Adhesive Membranes, and Pre Applied Membrane; Air & Vapour Control including Vapour Barriers, Vapour Check, NF-Vapour Barrier, and Fully Bonded Vapour Barrier; Passive Fire Protection including A2 Vapour Barrier, Class B FR Vapour Check, and Flame Retardant Polythene; and Stormwater management including Urban Drainage Geomembranes. The offering is complemented by system components including jointing tapes (VisqueenPro Single and Double Sided), detailing strips, Top Hat Units for pipe penetrations, TreadGUARD protection boards/fleece, and gas venting products. Products are designed to work as integrated systems with third-party certification (BBA, BDA, NSAI, ISO 9001/14001/45001) and are available through NBS Source for specification integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Visqueen DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) Damp proof membrane manufactured from a minimum of 85% recycled polyethylene, available in three thicknesses (0.25mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm) in black colour. BBA certified, supplied in multi-folded rolls for easier installation. Used by contractors and housebuilders to prevent moisture transmission through concrete ground floors.
• Visqueen High Performance Damp Proof Membrane Robust co-polymer thermoplastic damp proof membrane, 0.5mm thick, supplied 4m x 12.5m centre folded, with dual jointing methods (tape or heat weld) and sulphate resistance. Designed for high-performance applications under concrete floors.
• Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible DPC Cavity Tray Flexible 0.6mm composite damp proof course and cavity tray system achieving A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification to BS EN 13501-1:2018. Supplied in 20m rolls with widths from 100mm to 900mm, compliant with UK Building Regulations and supporting Building Safety Act compliance.
• Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units Flexible corner PFUs for the Zedex Non-Combustible DPC cavity tray system. Supplied rolled for easy handling, available for cavity widths 40-300mm with approximately 50mm variance allowance. BDA Agrement certificated.
• Visqueen Gas Protection Range (Gas Barrier, Radon Barriers, Ultimate Gas Barriers) Comprehensive range of gas protection membranes including Visqueen Gas Barrier, Gas Barrier NF-400, Ultimate Gas Barriers NF-500 and NF-600, Low Permeability Gas Membrane, Radon R400 Membrane, RadonBlok 400 and 600, Liquid Gas Membrane, and Ultimate GeoSeal. Designed to prevent ingress of methane, carbon dioxide, and radon. BBA, BDA, and NSAI Agrement certified.
• Visqueen Structural Waterproofing Range (Type A, B, C) Full structural waterproofing system range covering Type A barrier protection (CM20, CM8, Self Adhesive Membrane, TorchOn Tanking Membrane, Axiom Guard, Axiom Guard PRO, Axiom UniSeal, Pre Applied Membrane, Gas Resistant Self Adhesive Membrane), Type B integral protection (IGW Admix), and Type C cavity drainage protection (Protect&Drain), aligned with BS 8102:2022. BBA and BDA Agrement certified.
• Visqueen Air and Vapour Control Range Air and vapour control membranes including Vapour Barrier, Vapour Check, NF-Vapour Barrier, Fully Bonded Vapour Barrier, A2 Vapour Barrier (A2-s1,d0 fire rated), and Class B FR Vapour Check. CE marked.
• Visqueen Passive Fire Protection Range Passive fire protection products including A2 Vapour Barrier, Class B FR Vapour Check, and Flame Retardant Polythene Protection Film. LPCB LPS1207 certified for the Flame Retardant Polythene Protection.
• Visqueen Stormwater Management Geomembranes High Performance Urban Drainage Geomembrane and standard Urban Drainage Geomembrane for stormwater management and urban drainage applications.
• Visqueen Temporary Protective Sheeting Temporary protection sheeting for site protection during construction, available in General Purpose, Heavy Duty, and Extra Heavy Duty formats. Manufactured from recycled polyethylene, supplied in 4m x 25m rolls.
• Visqueen Contract Design Services Fee-based professional design services for ground gas protection and structural waterproofing specifications, offered directly to developers, contractors, and consultants. Industry and legislation compliant designs delivered with professional indemnity insurance coverage.
• Visqueen CPD Seminars and Training Academy CPD-accredited seminars on radon protection, structural waterproofing, and ground gas protection delivered live online or in-person at client offices, plus practical training courses at the Visqueen Training Academy in Heanor covering gas membrane installation, damp proof courses, damp proof membranes, ground gas protection, and structural waterproofing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% faster installation with redesigned Zedex fixing system
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Professional Remedial ServicesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2024Visqueen sponsored the Ground Gas Protection seminar organised by Professional Remedial Services, focusing on gas investigation, monitoring, risk assessment, solution design, protection and verification, and best practices.
• National Masonry AcademycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTraining partnership delivering Visqueen Registered Installer Scheme through CITB-approved courses at National Masonry Academy facilities. Course covers damp proof course installation, best practice, common failures, site coordination, and compliance requirements. Eligible contractors may claim CITB grant funding support.
• Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership enabling Visqueen to collaborate on best practices and drive industry excellence in the DPC and cavity tray market. Contributes to CITB training programs, supports brickwork contractor relationships, and engages in joint initiatives for apprentice development across the UK.
• NBS SourcecoreTechnology or IntegrationBIM product data integration enabling architects, engineers, and specifiers to access verified Visqueen product information, specification clauses, and technical data directly within NBS Chorus project workflows.
• Canal & River TrustminorOthersVisqueen donated Visqueen Protect & Drain membrane to safeguard a historic masonry arch bridge from water ingress as part of heritage preservation initiative.
• Band of BuildersminorOthersProduct donations including Visqueen Radon Barrier, Polyethylene DPC, Vapour Check, and EcoMembrane DPM for charity supporting UK construction industry members and families dealing with adversity.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fosroc (Element Solutions): Global construction chemicals manufacturer with a comprehensive waterproofing and sealants portfolio, competing directly with Visqueen across structural waterproofing membranes, tanking systems, and concrete protection products.
• Wykamol Group: UK specialist in damp-proofing, waterproofing, and structural repair systems for basements and below-ground structures; competes head-to-head with Visqueen in Type C cavity drain membranes, DPMs, and remedial waterproofing.
• Newton Waterproofing Systems: UK-based specialist in structural waterproofing membranes and systems (Type A/B/C to BS 8102), serving the same architects, contractors, and housebuilders as Visqueen with overlapping waterproofing and damp-proofing product ranges.
• Triton Chemicals: UK specialist in basement waterproofing, damp-proof membranes, and ground gas protection systems serving similar contractor and housebuilder segments as Visqueen, with overlapping Type A/B/C waterproofing and radon barrier offerings.
• Alumasc Exterior Building Products: UK manufacturer of building envelope products including waterproofing membranes and DPC systems, providing direct competition to Visqueen in commercial and residential waterproofing sold via UK merchant networks.
• GCP Applied Technologies (Saint-Gobain): Specialist in construction waterproofing including pre-applied membranes and gas protection systems such as PREPRUFE and SILCOR, directly competing with Visqueen's Pre Applied Membrane and Ultimate Gas Barrier ranges.
• BMI Group (ICOPAL): One of the largest UK roofing and waterproofing membrane manufacturers, directly competing with Visqueen in damp-proof courses, gas protection membranes, and structural waterproofing sold through the same merchant channel.

Broad incumbents

• IKO PLC: Major UK and European manufacturer of waterproofing, roofing, and insulation systems with significant overlap to Visqueen's structural waterproofing, gas protection, and damp-proof membrane categories, distributed through overlapping merchant networks.
• Sika AG: Global construction chemicals major offering waterproofing, sealing, and roofing membranes across multiple categories; competes with Visqueen in structural waterproofing and gas protection while offering broader portfolio (concrete admixtures, sealants, coatings).

Regional players

• Danosa: Spanish-based manufacturer of waterproofing membranes, damp-proof courses, and gas protection systems with overlapping product categories to Visqueen, primarily serving the Iberian market but exporting into UK and Ireland channels.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/visqueen-building-products
• Xx.com/visqueenbp

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Visqueen